Filip Hrgovic responds to fears of cut reopening in Moses Itauma fight: ‘Always a danger’

Filip Hrgovic is hopeful that a persistent cut above his eye won’t reopen against Moses Itauma.

Hrgovic will take on perhaps his most formidable test in 21-year-old power-punching sensation Itauma at London’s O2 Arena this weekend.

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Mark Robinson/Matchroom

The Croatian is hugely experienced and has already fought some big names including British opponent Daniel Dubois.

During his 2024 slug-fest defeat to ‘Dynamite’, the giant suffered severe cuts above both his eyes, which saw him halted on doctor’s advice.

Since then, cuts have reopened above the former Olympian’s eyes in two victories over Joe Joyce and David Adeleye, both which have left him splattered in blood.

In a routine victory over Dave Allen earlier this year, Hrgovic will have regained his confidence.

But Itauma will be the hardest hitter since facing Dubois, and naturally there is concern around any unhealed scar tissue.

When asked about if he is worried about further cuts by talkSPORT host Simon Jordan, he insisted naturally there is a danger.

Although Hrgovic is still fully confident in tasting victory and causing an upset, despite praying for no repeat injury.

He explained on the latest episode of talkBOXING: “Yeah it is always a danger for me.

“Last two fights it was open, but we will see what happens in this fight.

“Is it going to get open? I really hope not but all we can do is see.

“I’m not afraid of anything. It will be a great fight.”

Naturally Itauma, a heavyweight showing signs of world class intelligence, could well look to target the potential weaknesses early on.

The Briton has stopped several of his rivals early on during his rampant winning streak, and he will be fuelled further by the opportunity to win a world title.

Hrgovic vs Itauma – could the Croat spoil the party?

Of course Itauma will be backed by a near sell-out crowd in the capital, as they look to drive him home in search of history.

For Itauma, it will be his crowning moment, with victory to make him the youngest heavyweight world champion since Mike Tyson.

But the talented southpaw will have to navigate challenges he may not have been presented with before in paid ranks to win, predicts Spencer Oliver.

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Oliver explained: “He knows he has a young kid, who is ready to be the next best heavyweight on the planet.

“He understands the cuts and that he may have to go away from his tactics to adjust and adapt.

“And we know he is good at getting down in the trenches and can bite down on his gum shield, whereas we haven’t seen that with Moses.

“It makes him a dangerous fighter, as if he takes Moses into them later rounds, it will be very interesting.”